In pictures: Cork Airport buzzing as families touch down for Christmas

Cork Airport was a hub of activity this morning as engers began filtering home from places near and far for the Christmas holidays.

Among those returning to Leeside was the airport’s three millionth enger for 2024, on what was earmarked as the facility’s busiest day over the festive period.

With a live choir performance from the Cork Light Orchestra, as well as free tasters from Clonakilty Black Pudding and Murphy’s, both those coming and going were treated to a pure injection of Christmas spirit as they reunited with family and friends.

Speaking to The Echo, Louise Abernathy from East Cork — who was returning from South Korea — said that despite her long journey, she was feeling good and is looking forward to the festive season at home.

Excited

“It’s great to be back in Cork, I’m very excited,” she said. 

“I’m back for two weeks, it’ll be short but good. I moved over to South Korea in September and I love it over there, I’m teaching kids for the first time.

“My plans for Christmas are to eat, drink, and spend time with my family.”

Also returning from a teaching gig was Jessica O’Callaghan, from Lehenaghmore, who not only brought home gifts from Dubai, but a new partner Billy, who happens to be a Cork local himself.

“I’m teaching in Sharjah at the moment, it’s my third year there. I always look forward to coming home, especially at Christmas — it’s not the same when you’re away,” she said.

Boyfriend

“Coming in to Cork is just the best, your family can be there for you, [and] you don’t have any extra journeys to make. I’m kind of like Santa coming back, I have a bag full of presents now for my brothers and my mom — and I brought my boyfriend too — I went all the way to the UAE to meet somebody from 50 minutes away.

“My plans now for the next two weeks is to just spend as much time as I can with my family.”

In what she described as “a big homecoming for Christmas”, Stephanie Binks from Glanmire was among those disembarking a flight from London Heathrow, returning after a 12-week stint travelling across Asia: “I live in London, but I’ve been travelling, so I haven’t been home since the summer time — it’s emotional, I was a bit teary-eyed coming in. I’m hoping for a quiet Christmas — I’m looking forward to spending time with my family.

“I’m meeting up with the girls tomorrow too, and we have a bottomless brunch planned for Sunday.”

Lovely

Claire Sexton, from Barryroe, who was returning on crutches from Dubai, was greeted by her brother Eoghan, who had the task of carrying her bags.

“I’ve been living in Dubai for six years, I’m teaching out there — I come home most Christmases and every summer,” she said.

“I’m limited with my knee — I tore my ACL playing camogie — but I’m hoping to get out in the fresh air and enjoy some time at home, maybe go for a walk on the beach.

“It’s really good flying into Cork, it’s really quick, and it’s lovely having the band - it wasn’t Christmassy at all in Heathrow or Dubai, so this is great.”

Celebrating breaking the three millionth enger milestone for this year, Daa CEO Kenny Jacobs said “it is the cherry on top of a brilliant 2024.

“I’m extremely proud of the great work that the team in Cork are doing.

“2025 promises to be an even busier and better year for Cork Airport.”